Chapter 35
Lilly was surprised to see both Michael and Jacob with Sarah at the coffee shop; she hadn't expected them to be there. They all took turns hugging her. The shop was closed today, but despite her true identity now being public, she intended to keep it running since it belonged to her and Sarah, even if she owned the larger share.
"You look stunning, Lilly, and it seems you've gained a bit of weight. Pregnancy really suits you," Sarah remarked.
"Do I?" Lilly touched her cheeks.
"Yes," Sarah confirmed.
Lilly smiled, placing her hands on her still-flat stomach.
"This child will be beautiful, given how attractive both parents are," Jacob commented.
Lilly smiled, imagining having a son who resembled Alexander.
Michael, who had been quietly worrying about her safety, finally spoke up. "Since your stepmother and sister know you're alive, you're no longer safe, Lilly. You should limit your outings and have bodyguards with you if you need to go out. Alexander has plenty of them."
Michael's serious tone changed the cheerful atmosphere.
"She’s been indoors for ten days, Michael, and today is her first day out. You’re acting like an overprotective brother," Sarah rolled her eyes.
"I know, but Alexander's estate is vast, like a small town. You can walk and do various activities within the estate without needing to go outside. Also, you should tell Alexander everything. He can protect you and his child. You lied about your identity before, and now you're hiding the risk to his child's life. If something happens, he won't forgive you," Michael insisted.
Although they were capable of protecting her, Alexander, with his power, was better suited for the task. Until they had enough evidence to imprison the culprits, she needed protection. Even though it was a contract marriage, Michael knew Alexander cared deeply for her. He wouldn't have chosen to marry her otherwise.
Michael never told Lilly this because he wanted her to realize she wasn't the only one with feelings in the marriage. Alexander might not realize it himself, but he did care for her. With an older brother who shared Alexander's demeanor, Michael could tell. Both men concealed their true emotions, often causing confusion, but their actions, when different from usual, revealed their feelings.
"You're right, Michael. I agree with you this time. Alexander likely suspects something. He knows about your sisters' deaths and that you were hiding because you were next. He must know you're not safe."
"He did?" Jacob and Michael were surprised that Alexander had told her not to leave the house, knowing how stubborn Lilly was.
Lilly remained calm, sipping her coffee without saying a word. She didn't need to respond because everything they said was true.
"How's the investigation going?" she suddenly changed the topic.
Michael and Jacob updated her on the latest developments.
After spending more time with them, Lilly returned to the estate. Seeing the car parked out front, she knew Alexander was back.
Why did he return suddenly? She was in trouble; he had promised to deal with her if she left the house. Lilly tiptoed inside and headed towards the stairs, avoiding the elevator to keep silent, but his voice stopped her.
"Come here," Alexander said from the living room.
Lilly bit her bottom lip before stepping down and walking towards the living room with a smile. "You're back," she said.
Alexander motioned for her to come closer.
Lilly walked slowly towards him, then sat on the couch opposite him.
"Closer!" he half-yelled.
Lilly stood up, moved around the table, and sat on the couch next to him.
Alexander stared coldly at her, and she looked away from his icy gaze.
He stood up, grabbed her hand tightly, and pulled her up. "This is what I mean by closer," he said.
Their bodies were close, and her heart pounded. Lilly looked into his eyes, meeting his cold stare.
"There are many things I can do to ensure you don’t disobey me again. When I say you shouldn't leave the house, you shouldn't leave the house. You can't move around freely, Lilly, because you're carrying my child, and everyone knows who you are. Do I need to remind you that your life is at risk? Don't make me show you the side of me you haven’t seen yet. You don’t want to imagine it," he warned.
Lilly saw a dark look in his eyes that made her shiver.
He let go of her hand and started walking out. She held her wrist, wincing in pain. She hated when he hurt her, but this time it was her fault. He wanted her to stay inside for her safety, knowing she wasn’t safe.
The next morning, they sat awkwardly at the breakfast table. She had refused to come down for breakfast, but he reminded her not to disobey his orders.
He noticed she was barely eating and looked at her bruised hand. Why hadn’t she bandaged it? He frowned.
"Why didn’t you bandage your hand?"
Lilly glanced at her bruised hand and then at him. "Because I wasn't the one who bruised it," she said, focusing back on her food.
Alexander gave her a cold look. "Since you don’t want to eat, go change into something else. You’re coming with me, and make sure to bandage that hand."
"Why? Where are we going?"
"Aren't you desperate to leave the house?"
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